Earlier in the week Steve and I made a car to car thruhike from the Four Mile Road TH on Tronsen Ridge accessing it via FR 7224. The road is in poor condition (need some clearance and AWD / 4WD would help) since I last did a Spring trip from there maybe 10 years ago. While there were good colors driving up 97 to Blewett Pass along the crest of the ridge colors were marginal, but the trail was good with some nice views and rock formations, the Upper Naneum meadows are now an interesting, but devastated ghost forest, still the trails were predominantly free and clear through Haney Meadows and up to Tronsen Head where we had lunch with open, expansive views West. The temps were comfortable, winds light, with full sunshine. We returned via the Tronsen Meadows trail which has been devastated from heavy bike use and might be comfortably unhikeable shortly, it use to be a peaceful hiking path. We ended at a second vehicle parked at the beginning of FR 7240 near Blewett Pass / SR 97. At that time only a few larches had changed color, but it was still scenic and good exercise for a Fall day. 12 miles, 3100'. Good time as usual.
Frosty early morning start from Tronsen Ridge TH at 4000', Four mile road access is in declining condition for all but higher clearance vehicles with AWD / 4WD.
Miller
Minimal color the entire trip.
Diamond Head
Nice views of Rainier.
Upper Naneum meadows just devastated.
From Tronsenhead looking at Tronsen Knob, Diamond Head etc...
I have looked down into that burn from the top of Mission Ridge ski area many times. But the devastation hits home when you are down in amongst the the ghost forest. Got pretty toasty down there. Obviously still a viable place to hike.
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